1862 Hunt & Nash (Irving House). Twelve Cents. HB-155, EP-150, S-110. Plain Frame. Extremely Fine.Case: Exceptionally well preserved with warm brassy-gold patina to both sides and no defects of note. Mica: Missing. Stamp: Wrinkled and faded, likely due to the loss of its protective mica covering, get still retaining decent color with the design fully appreciable. Our grade of Extremely Fine for this piece represents a compromise, the case About Uncirculated but the missing mica and condition of the stamp arguing for a lower assessment. This is a rare variety, the 1989 encased postage stamp reference by Hodder and Bowers accounting for fewer than five examples of HB-155, although there are probably a few more known today.From Early American History Auctions, Inc.s sale of December 2013, lot 415. Lot tag included.
